USOC Seeking Stronger Sanctions in Connection With South Africa

The United States Olympic Committee’s 21-member administrative committee has recommended suspension of any athlete who competes in South Africa from further competition in any sport over which the USOC has control, it was announced Monday.

The proposal will be placed next month before the USOC executive board, which is expected to endorse the stronger sanctions at its Oct. 20-22 meeting.

The committee’s unanimous recommendation for strong sanctions to discourage athletes from competing in South Africa came at a meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo.

It follows a decision by the International Olympic Committee earlier this month to ban from the Olympic Games any athlete who competes in South Africa.

Coupled with the administrative committee’s recommendation on South Africa is a proposal to broaden the suspension of any athlete who violates the USOC’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Any suspension for violation of that policy, too, will extend to any sport in any USOC-controlled competition, if the executive board approves it next month.